Los Angeles, CA

Frank McCourt appears to have taken another step toward retaining ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

According to a report, Frank and Jamie McCourt have reached a divorce settlement under which she would get about $130 million and relinquish any claim to a share of the Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Times reported the story Monday, citing multiple people familiar with the agreement.

Frank McCourt's plan to retain ownership of the team by selling the Dodgers' television rights in U.S. Bankruptcy Court would be bolstered by having Jamie out of the way.

The agreement also seems to clear the way for a court showdown between Frank McCourt and Commissioner Bud Selig for ownership of the team.

The people familiar with the agreement spoke to the Los Angeles Times on condition of anonymity because the settlement has not been finalized.

The Times reported that the settlement would conclude what is believed to be the costliest divorce in California history.

According to the report, the McCourts incurred $20.6 million in legal bills related to the divorce through July, according to Los Angeles Superior Court filings by each of the parties.

To settle the outstanding dispute over whether the Dodgers were the sole property of Frank McCourt or community property could have added at least $14 million to those bills, based on estimates in a filing on behalf of Jamie McCourt.

Copyright © 2011 AHN - All Rights Reserved